The perfect day
Posted: November 21, 2016 Filed under: Uncategorized 24 CommentsI used to hate winter until I started sketching it. Now I find myself looking forward to it. So much so that when it snowed overnight I briefly contemplated calling in sick today. I even imagined the perfect day I might have — my sketch supplies piled into the car, a mug of coffee in the cup holder, a series of stops at my favourite sketching spots. Perhaps a break for lunch in a café, with a view of more snow. But then I came to my senses, remembered that my students had projects to finish, and reluctantly de-iced my car before the long drive to school. Sketched in a Handbook watercolour journal, from a window at school during a break.
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Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
BRRRR Now I remember what that first snow feels like! Beautiful capture of what’s around the corner for the rest of the country!!
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Yes, it’s coming!! Get ready Gayle.
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And you were rewarded for your diligence. Lovely painting.
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Thanks Susan.
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Now you have given your secret away! Haha, don’t get sick. Lovely painting
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Everyone at school knows that I’d rather be painting. No secret there. Thanks Carolyn!
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I can’t imagine how fast you must work to fit in a painting like this on a break. Geesh! Plus time to post– thanks for your dedication to both your art and your blog.
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Hi Jean. I do sketch quickly but I usually post at night when I get home. I could do that at school too since we have the same scanner in the classroom but I usually run out of time. Hope you are well.
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I’m generally frustrated with sketching on days when there aren’t good strong shadows – but not you Shari. You catch the moody dull light beautifully – I study your foggy/hazy/grey day paintings – even pin them up above my desk…can’t say I have got far in emulating them though
😦
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Thanks John. I always like to hear from you.
On those dull, snowy days I have noticed that the sky is darker and bluer than usual. The only thing you need with snow is contrast so I try to make sure there are lots of darks in the sketch. Often those are in the trees. But you draw beautiful trees so that shouldn’t be a problem for you.
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You are right Shari — I can’t wait to paint the snow — something to look forward to during our long winters -)
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And during our Christmas break when I hope to find more time to paint… I bet you do too.
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Shari, The fresh lovliness and amazing composition of this painting is a reward to you for going the extra mile for your students, I’m proud of your effort and so happy to see your wonderful painting!
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You are very kind Laurie. Thanks!
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So nice to fantasize on how the day might have been…..but reality always sneaks in. Wish I could work as fast as you do and get some results. Thank you for inspiring all of us.
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Ah yes, reality always does sneak in. And I know I will have a break soon when classes are over in a few weeks. But it does feel good to dream about it anyway…
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Aww… you had me along for that fantasy day! So sorry that your conscience kicked in. 😉 This is lovely, and I’m looking forward to all your winter sketches to come.
Tina
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I’m kind of sorry about that too Tina. Would have been so nice to take the day off but I have a few weeks of between semesters and I am hoping for lots of snow painting then. Hope all is well with you.
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Bet we don’t get any snow! Lovely picture.
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Even here we are getting less and less. Last year we had hardly any but they say this will be a snowy winter. We’ll see…
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Shari,
Your daily post is the first I open. I absolutely love the freshness and clarity of your washes. You bring beauty to even the most simple compositions. The most complex you easily master. They are delights to view. Thank you for so graciously sharing.
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Bernadette, thank YOU so much for this. It made me happy to read it.
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I love all the subtle variations of purple in this one. Really spectacular. 🙂
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Thanks, as always, Janine.
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